Struthers residents soon to see water rate increase
STRUTHERS Residents in Struthers will soon be seeing an increase in water rates, affecting water bills starting in 2026.
Information shared in an informational water rate negotiations recap flyer passed out during the Struthers City Council's regular meeting on Wednesday outlines what agreement was made between the City of Struthers and Aqua Ohio.
Effective on January 1, 2026, residents of Struthers will see a 5.0% increase in water rates. Another 5.0% rate increase will take place on January 1, 2027.
Beginning in 2028, residents of the city would then see a 5.25% increase in water rates, effective on January 1 in 2028, and again in 2029.
On average, the water rate increases will raise water bills by roughly $3.
Lori Goman, First Ward Councilwoman of Struthers, spoke with 21 News, indicating that city leaders and Aqua have been negotiating to keep rate increases as low as possible.
"Aqua has worked with us, [and] we've got to negotiate with them, so they kind of let the communities voice a little bit, and we were able to kind of negotiate this percentage," said Goman.
These negotiations, according to Goman, allowed city leaders to get a better rate for community members than what they were originally told.
A chart was shared on the informational flyer with an example of what Struthers residents could see with an estimated 3,900 gallons of water use. A note is listed, indicating that, on average, a resident would use 3,400 gallons per month.
2026 - 5.0% rate increase. The rate per 1,000 gallons is listed to be $11.68, with a customer charge of $16.90 as a base rate. With an estimated use of 3,900 gallons, this would make an expected bill $62.44 per month. This, according to the example chart, is a $2.98 increase from current 3,900-gallon bills.
2027 - 5.0% rate increase. The rate per 1,000 gallons is listed to be $12.26, with a customer charge of $17.75 as a base rate. With an estimated use of 3,900 gallons, this would make an expected bill $65.57 per month. This, according to the example chart, is a $3.13 increase from current 3,900-gallon bills.
2028 - 5.25% rate increase. The rate per 1,000 gallons is listed to be $12.91, with a customer charge of $18.68 as a base rate. With an estimated use of 3,900 gallons, this would make an expected bill $69.01 per month. This, according to the example chart, is a $3.44 increase from current 3,900-gallon bills.
2029 - 5.25% rate increase. The rate per 1,000 gallons is listed to be $13.58, with a customer charge of $19.66 as a base rate. With an estimated use of 3,900 gallons, this would make an expected bill $72.63 per month. This, according to the example chart, is a $3.62 increase from current 3,900-gallon bills.
According to the flyer, the rate plan covers Aqua's approximately 24,000 water customers in Mahoning County, including residents in:
- Campbell
- Struthers
- Lowellville
- Poland
- New Middletown
- Beaver Township
- Boardman Township
- Canfield Township
- Coitsville Township
- Poland Township
- Springfield Township
Each municipality will now be asked to pass ordinances or resolutions to enact the rate plan, beginning on January 1, 2026, according to the release.
